Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele has finally claimed the Ballon d’Or after a stunning, trophy-laden season, but the decision to rank him above Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has split opinion among fans and pundits alike.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele has been crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, edging out Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal in a decision that has ignited debate across the football world.
Dembele Finally Lands the Biggest Prize
The French international capped off a sensational campaign by leading PSG to an unprecedented European quadruple, winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, the Trophee des Champions, and the UEFA Champions League. His performances, particularly in Europe, cemented his place as the standout player of the season.
In the Champions League, Dembele struck eight goals and six assists in 15 appearances, including decisive moments in the knockout rounds that drove PSG to their long-awaited first triumph. Domestically, he was joint-top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals, proving his consistency throughout the season.
The award also marks a personal milestone for Dembele, once plagued by injuries at Barcelona, now finally fulfilling the immense promise that once made him one of the most expensive signings in football history.
Praise and Criticism in Equal Measure
Reaction to Dembele’s win has been mixed. Some fans hailed the decision, with one writing on social media: “Dembele, finally a worthy Ballon d’Or winner.” Others were less convinced, suggesting Yamal’s individual brilliance was overlooked in favor of PSG’s Champions League triumph.
One Barcelona supporter argued: “You can’t wholeheartedly think Dembele performed better than Yamal last season. Yamal’s Champions League displays against Inter were all-timer performances.”
Meanwhile, others saw Dembele’s victory as poetic justice, given Barcelona sold him only to watch him lift the treble, defeat his former club at Camp Nou, and now walk away with football’s biggest individual honor.
Yamal’s Breakout Season Recognized
At just 18, Lamine Yamal was Barcelona’s creative heartbeat, recording nine goals and 13 assists in La Liga, finishing as the league’s top provider and the most prolific dribbler in Europe with 138 completed dribbles.
He powered Barcelona to a domestic treble – La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa – while making Champions League history as the youngest player to both score and assist in a knockout match. Though he missed out on the Ballon d’Or, Yamal claimed the Kopa Trophy for the second year running.
Rivalry Set to Continue
While Dembele and Yamal exchanged hugs and congratulations at the Ballon d’Or gala, their rivalry will resume on the pitch soon. Barcelona host PSG in the Champions League on October 1, in what promises to be another showcase of two of Europe’s most dazzling attackers.
Both stars, however, are racing against time to recover from injuries before the clash. Should they return in time, the football world will once again witness a generational battle between experience and youth.
